Salk’s inactivated polio vaccine is licensed

The founding constitution established an international body devoted to health as a fundamental human right.

WHO formally came into being as countries sought coordinated approaches to disease and health care.

The constitution described health as physical, mental and social well-being, setting an ambitious goal.

The annual observance recalls the day the WHO Constitution came into force.

Investigators reported that the inactivated vaccine had protected participants in a large trial.

The announcement opened a new phase of polio immunization, requiring manufacturing and access.

The findings followed participation by many families, healthcare workers and researchers.

The FDA approved Enovid for use as an oral contraceptive, expanding control over pregnancy.

The medicine made hormonal prevention of pregnancy available by prescription.

The development included trials among women in Puerto Rico and raises questions about consent and power.